Tax Research Techniques

Tax Research Techniques provides a working knowledge of the methodology of implementation-based tax research. Drawing on the latest developments in online research, the authors reveal how to ask the right questions, organize the facts, locate and assess pertinent authority, and clearly communicate research findings. The Trusted Research Training Manual for Over 30 Years As tax laws and tax research methods have changed over the past three decades,Tax Research Techniques has been a trusted resource to guide students and practitioners alike to best practices for efficient tax research. This latest edition updates examples and illustrations to highlight changes in tax law and online tax research over the past several years. Tax Research Techniques will sharpen your knowledge of these five key tax research procedures: How to Get the Facts How to Ask Expert Questions How to Search for the Right Authority How to Resolve the Question How to Communicate Your Conclusions New and updated sections reflect the continuously evolving advances in the technology of Web-based research.

The book employs a systematic approach to tax problems based on four steps, namely: the critical role of facts, the elusive nature of tax questions, locating and assessing appropriate authority, and communicating the findings. Includes examples explaining in detail these four steps. It also includes a chapter introducing the characteristics of computer-assisted tax research, and research methodology for tax planning.

The Eighth Edition features expanded coverage of electronic sources, both subscription-based (such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, Checkpoint, CCH IntelliConnect, and HeinOnline) and those available without charge (particularly those provided by the government). It discusses factors to be considered in deciding between print and online research; chapters discussing primary sources illustrate several online sources for finding these materials. This book devotes considerable space to publicly available IRS documents and legislative history materials. The introductory materials illustrate solving a research problem, and there are problems for students to solve throughout the text. The Eighth Edition expands the number of illustrations that complement its textual discussions.